The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a major verdict in favor of women, holding the right to menstrual hygiene and access to menstrual hygiene products as a right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan delivered the verdict in a case relating to the Centre’s policy on pan-India implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school-going girls in government and government-aided schools.
Now schools will have to keep sanitary pads
The Supreme Court directed to keep free sanitary pads inside the schools of all the states. Also said that if governments fail to provide toilets and free sanitary pads to girls, they will also be held accountable.
The Supreme Court ruled in a case, “The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution also includes the right to menstrual health. Access to safe, effective and affordable menstrual hygiene management measures helps a woman reach the highest standards of sexual and reproductive health. The right to a healthy reproductive life includes the right to access to education and information about sexual health. The right to equality is expressed through the right to participate on equal terms. At the same time, equality of opportunity makes it essential that all have the right to access benefits.” To get a fair chance.”
‘It is part of the fundamental right to life‘
The Supreme Court also said in its order that if any private school is not successful in providing separate toilets and sanitary pads for girls and boys, then their recognition should be cancelled. The right to menstrual health is part of the fundamental right to life given in the Constitution.
The Supreme Court said, “This judgment is for the classroom where girls hesitate to ask for help. It is for the teachers who want to help but because of lack of resources, cannot. It is for the parents who may not realize the impact of their silence and for the society, to establish that progress is measured by how we protect the most vulnerable. This is the message we want to send to every child who might otherwise be absent.” Because her body was considered a burden, which is not her fault, these words should reach the general consciousness of the society.
Separate toilets in schools
Also, the Supreme Court has asked all states and union territories to provide handicapped accessible toilets in all schools. At the same time, instructions were given to ensure separate toilets for girls and boys in schools of all the states.